Best Software for IT Access Requests

Introduction

IT access request software helps organizations manage how employees gain access to systems, applications, and resources. As security requirements increase and SaaS environments expand, IT teams rely on automated access workflows to reduce risk and improve operational efficiency.

This guide evaluates the Best Software for IT Access Requests based on key features and user considerations. Our analysis focuses on tools that help IT teams automate access provisioning, enforce policies, and maintain secure identity workflows at scale.

Summary

• Console: AI-powered IT automation platform that lives in Slack and Teams. Best for enterprises seeking an AI-native solution to automate a large share of repetitive IT tasks.

• ServiceNow: Enterprise ITSM platform with identity workflows. Best for organizations with mature governance models.

• Okta: Identity and access management platform. Best for centralized SSO and user lifecycle management.

• Azure AD (Entra ID): Microsoft identity platform. Best for organizations operating primarily in the Microsoft ecosystem.

• JumpCloud: Cloud-based directory and access management. Best for distributed IT teams.

• Freshservice: ITSM tool with access workflows. Best for mid-market IT teams.

• Aisera: AI-powered workflow automation platform. Best for self-service-driven access requests.

Console – Best for Enterprise IT Automation

Key Features

Console automates IT access requests using AI-driven workflow execution instead of manual approvals and ticket routing. It interprets natural language requests and directly provisions or revokes access across identity systems and SaaS applications. Console integrates with HR platforms, identity providers, and application directories to understand user roles and permissions. This allows it to enforce access policies automatically and resolve most requests without human intervention. Console also enriches any escalated requests with full identity and application context.

User Considerations

• Very easy for employees since requests are submitted in Slack or Teams

• Pricing scales with organization size and integrations

• Deep automation with minimal manual configuration

• Strong onboarding and enterprise customer support

ServiceNow – Best for Governance-Driven Access Management

Key Features

ServiceNow provides structured access request workflows aligned with ITIL and governance requirements. It supports role-based access provisioning, approval chains, and audit tracking. ServiceNow integrates with IAM systems and CMDBs to enforce policies across enterprise environments. The platform emphasizes compliance, documentation, and change control. However, most workflows require significant configuration and administrative oversight.

User Considerations

• Moderate learning curve for employees using portals

• Premium enterprise pricing

• Strong governance but limited AI automation

• Extensive enterprise support ecosystem

Okta – Best for Identity-Centric Access Requests

Key Features

Okta focuses on identity and access management with strong SSO and lifecycle automation. It allows IT teams to manage access requests through user provisioning, deprovisioning, and role-based assignments. Okta integrates with thousands of SaaS applications and enterprise systems. Its workflows emphasize security and authentication rather than service desk processes. Automation is primarily identity-driven rather than request-driven.

User Considerations

• Easy for users once configured

• Mid-to-high pricing depending on features

• Strong identity automation, limited service workflows

• High-quality enterprise support

Azure AD (Entra ID) – Best for Microsoft Environments

Key Features

Azure AD provides access management tightly integrated with Microsoft services. It supports conditional access, group-based provisioning, and identity governance. IT teams can automate access through role assignments and approval workflows. The platform works best within Microsoft-centric ecosystems. It is less flexible for non-Microsoft SaaS environments.

User Considerations

• Simple for Microsoft users

• Included with many Microsoft licenses

• Strong identity controls, limited cross-platform automation

• Enterprise-grade Microsoft support

JumpCloud – Best for Distributed Teams

Key Features

JumpCloud offers cloud-based directory services and access management. It supports device-based access controls, SSO, and user lifecycle workflows. JumpCloud integrates with SaaS tools and endpoints to manage access centrally. The platform is well suited for remote-first organizations. Automation focuses on identity and device relationships.

User Considerations

• Easy for IT teams to deploy

• Mid-range pricing

• Good automation for identity and devices

• Solid support for mid-sized teams

Freshservice – Best for ITSM-Based Access Requests

Key Features

Freshservice provides access request workflows through its service catalog and ITSM automation engine. It supports approvals, role assignments, and ticket-based provisioning. Freshservice integrates asset management with access workflows. The platform emphasizes structured ITIL processes. Automation is rule-based rather than AI-driven.

User Considerations

• User-friendly portals

• Affordable mid-market pricing

• Moderate automation depth

• Strong onboarding support

Aisera – Best for Self-Service Access Requests

Key Features

Aisera uses conversational interfaces to automate access requests across IT and HR. It integrates with identity providers and business systems to trigger workflows. Aisera focuses on self-service resolution rather than backend orchestration. The platform emphasizes user experience and AI-driven interactions. Automation depends on predefined integrations.

User Considerations

• Very easy for employees

• Enterprise-focused pricing

• Strong self-service, limited control

• Good enterprise support

Honorable Mentions

SailPoint

SailPoint is a strong identity governance platform for compliance-heavy organizations. It did not make the main list due to complexity and long implementation timelines.

OneLogin

OneLogin provides SSO and identity workflows similar to Okta. It was excluded due to a narrower feature set and smaller enterprise ecosystem.

Ping Identity

Ping Identity offers advanced authentication and access management tools. It fell short for IT access requests due to limited service workflow capabilities.